Parkinson's disease and depression, pancreatic cancer research, birth community day and more

Newswise — Expert on Parkinson’s Disease and Depression Available for InterviewsMichele Tagliati, M.D., director of the Movement Disorders Program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, is available to discuss Parkinsons’ disease and depression. An internationally renowned expert in all types of movement disorders, including Parkinson’s Disease, he believes it is important to understand several aspects of the disease:• Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is not only a movement disorder; more than half of patients diagnosed with PD also suffer from depression.• Many patients say that depression is the most disabling symptom of PD (not shaking or difficulty walking, etc.)• Depression is intrinsic to PD, but differs from bipolar or major depression. Its symptoms may include general apathy (loss of interest in life), fatigue, insomnia, lack of appetite, etc.• Patients may or may not recognize these as symptomatic of depression, so it is important for their physicians to proactively ask appropriate questions that can help identify depression.• While depression can be a major problem for patients with PD, it’s important to realize that help is available. Medications and counseling can help reduce the severity of symptoms.CONTACT: Sandy Van, 808-526-1708; Email sandy@prpacific.com

Unique Study Focuses on Combined Treatment Approach for Locally Advanced Pancreatic CancerInvestigators at the Cedars-Sinai Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute are developing a novel, multistep investigational treatment for one of the most complex and difficult-to-treat forms of the disease, locally advanced pancreatic cancer. Locally advanced pancreatic cancer has the lowest survival rate of any solid tumor, with a cumulative five-year survival rate of only 4 percent for all stages of disease. Surgery is rarely an option for patients because tumors often involve vital blood vessels. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy given concurrently remain the mainstay treatment, yet to-date, no treatment has had a significant impact on improving outcomes. CONTACT: Cara Martinez, 310-423-7798; Email cara.martinez@cshs.org

Research Initiative Will Examine Innovative Strategies to Deliver Care More EfficientlyCedars-Sinai has launched an applied research center to improve the value of patient care inside the medical center and beyond its walls by strengthening patient-doctor bonds and bringing greater efficiency to the delivery of clinical services. Brennan Spiegel, MD, MSHS, will lead the new Cedars-Sinai Center for Outcomes Research and Education, or CS-CORE. As director of Health Services Research, he will oversee a digital health strategy aimed at enhancing healthcare quality and reducing excessive use of resources.CONTACT: Duke Helfand, 310-248-6608; Email duke.helfand@cshs.org

Tissue Collection Aids Search for Neurologic and Neuromuscular Disease Causes and CuresLike other major research centers studying genetic causes of uncommon and poorly understood nervous system disorders, Cedars-Sinai maintains a growing collection of DNA and tissue samples donated by patients. What sets Cedars-Sinai’s Repository of Neurologic and Neuromuscular Disorders apart is its special emphasis on tissue collection – part of its focus on creating future individualized treatments for patients.CONTACT: Sandy Van, 808-526-1708; Email sandy@prpacific.com

Congenital Heart Disease Specialists Develop Nonsurgical Technique to Correct Birth Defects in Premature InfantsA new technique for repairing the most common cardiac birth defect in newborns, commonly referred to as “a hole in the heart,” has been used successfully to mend the condition in six premature infants without subjecting the tiny patients to open-heart surgery. The technique for repairing the condition, patent ductus arteriosus, also called PDA, was published online by the peer-reviewed medical journal Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions, the official journal of The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions.CONTACT: Sally Stewart, 310-248-6566; Email sally.stewart@cshs.org

Cedars-Sinai Immunotherapy Expert Honored for Work in Kidney Transplantation Ashley Anh Vo, PharmD, administrative director of the Transplant Immunotherapy Program at the Cedars-Sinai Comprehensive Transplant Center, has been named the 2014 Clinician of Distinction by the American Society of Transplantation for her work in developing anti-rejection drug protocols for patients. CONTACT: Laura Coverson, 310-423-5215; Email laura.coverson@cshs.org

Registration Opens for Cedars-Sinai’s 10th Annual Run for Her® 5K Run and Friendship WalkRegistration is open for the 10th annual Run for Her® 5K Run and Friendship Walk, one of the nation’s premier events to raise public awareness and research funds for the fight against ovarian cancer. The flagship Los Angeles event will be held Sunday, Nov. 9, in Pan Pacific Park. Run for Her proceeds support ovarian cancer research and public education projects for the Women’s Cancer Program at the Cedars-Sinai Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute. CONTACT: Cara Martinez, 310-423-7798; Email cara.martinez@cshs.org